“Good work. But… These early warning systems are also done by the servants?”
After receiving Demiurge’s confirmation, just in case, Momonga felt the construction of another alert network would be appropriate.
“…. About the construction of the system, I have an idea. Please build it like this.”
“Yes sir. After consulting with Albedo, we will combine our efforts. Yes, Black Knight-sama—”
“—Enough, Demiurge. Calling me Momonga is fine”
“Understood… May I ask what is Momonga-sama’s next schedule?”
“I plan to visit Mare and provide him with a suitable reward for accomplishing his task perfectly…”
Demiurge let out a smile. It was a gentle smile, completely different from something one would expect of a demon.
“To receive appreciation directly from Momonga-sama would already be a great reward… this… Many apologies, but I suddenly thought of something that I need to take care of. As for Mare’s location…”
“No problem. You may leave, Demiurge.”
“Many thanks, Momonga-sama.”
Once Demiurge started to fly away, Momonga also started to float down to the ground, and once again donned his helmet. Located at his destination was a Dark Elf, who noticed something and tilted his head to look up to the sky — Seeing Momonga he was shocked. Waiting for Momonga to land, Mare hurriedly ran over. His skirt fluttering in the wind.
A little bit could be seen. No, Momonga totally did not want to see, he was just curious about what was worn underneath.
“Momo-, Momonga-sama, it is an honor for you to come here.”
“Eh…. Mare there is no need to be afraid, just take it slow. If you are not used to it, you do not need to be so formal… Of course it’s only in private.”
“Th-, that cannot be done, how could I not use honorifics to address you… Even my sister would never do so. That would be too rude.”
Although he did not like children to treat him so respectfully..:
“So its like that, Mare. If you insist then I have no objections. However, I want you to know that I never forced you to do so.”
“Ye-, Yes! …. Spe-, speaking of which, Momonga-sama why have you come here? Ha-, have I perhaps done something wrong….”
“Nothing of the sort Mare. I came here to reward you.”
Mare’s expression went from worry and fear from being scolded, to becoming surprised.
“The job that Mare currently has is extremely important, because the people of this world could have an average level of 100 or more. If there are those kinds of opponents, even with the alert network, it will also be necessary to hide the Great Tomb of Nazarick from preying eyes. This is an important matter.”
Mare constantly nodded in agreement.
“So Mare, I wanted you to know that the way you are doing your job is perfect and satisfies me. Entrusting this job to you, makes me feel at ease.”
Something that Momonga learnt from his experiences in society, is that superiors must praise the hard work of outstanding subordinates.
The Guardians all gave Momonga high evaluations, so in order to maintain their loyalty, Momonga must also assess them highly on their job.
If the Guardians and NPCs that the guild created, felt betrayed and disappointed after trying to maintain a perfect performance, it would be Momonga’s failure as a leader. That was why he always had to pay attention, and maintain the attitude of a ruler in front of them.
“… You can understand my thoughts right, Mare?”
“Yes! Momonga-sama!”
Although he was wearing female clothing, looking at Mare’s tense face you could clearly see he was male.
“Very good, then for your excellent work, I want to give you a reward.”
“Ho-, how can I! This is my duty!”
“… According to your work performance, it is only proper to present you with a reward.”
“No-, no! Our sole reason to exist is to serve the Supreme Ruler, so our hard work is the most natural thing to do!”
With such a back and forth discussion, the opinions will never intersect, so Momonga came up with a compromise.
“How about this. Giving you this reward, I also hope that you will continue to be loyal to me, that way there shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“Is, is there really no problem?”
With a strong attitude Momonga took out the reward — It was a ring.
“Momo-, Momonga-sama… You took the wrong thing!”
“No—”
“—Wrong! That is the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, only the Supreme Rulers can hold it! I cannot possibly accept such a thing.”
Mare trembled at the unexpected reward, and Momonga was also surprised at his reaction.
Indeed, this ring was only for a dedicated member of the guild to use, there were only one hundred of these special items. These rings were already distributed among the 41 other members, so there were another 59 rings — No, 58 rings who did not have an owner. This was indeed a valuable item, but to give this as a reward, there was the hope it would be properly utilized.
In order to calm Mare who wanted to run away, Momonga solemnly told Mare:
“Calm down, Mare.”
“No, no, no way! How could I accept the ring that only the Supreme ruler can have—”
“Think calmly Mare. In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, not having the ability to teleport would bring about a lot of inconvenience.”
Hearing this, Mare slowly started to calm down.
“I hope that in the event that an enemy attack, each of the Guardians could act as a commander for every floor, when it comes to that time, if you cannot freely teleport or escape, it would be too unsightly; that is why I am giving this ring to you.”
Momonga held the ring in his hand. Under the moonlight, the ring seemed to emit a glorious shine.
“Mare, I feel very happy about your loyalty: I also understand why, as a subordinate, you wouldn’t want to accept the ring that represents us. However, if you understand my feelings then you will accept my command and take this ring.”
“Bu-, But, why me…. Could it be the other Guardians received one…?”
“Although I intend to give one to them, you would be the first. Because I am satisfied with your work, if I gave it to someone who did nothing it would devalue the ring as a reward. Do you want me to reduce the value of this ring?”
“No-, I would never dare!”
“Then take it, Mare. After taking this ring, continue working hard for both Nazarick and me.”
Mare nervously extended his hand, and slowly accepted the ring.
Seeing Mare do this, Momonga felt guilty. Even though he wanted to give the ring as a gift, he also had another selfish reason.
If others were able to teleport as well, it would become easier for Momonga to move unnoticed.
Once Mare put on the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, it instantly changed its size to fit Mare’s slender finger. Mare started intensely at the ring on his finger, relaxed a little and sighed. Then he bowed deeply towards Momonga… “Momonga-sama, thank-, thank you very much for giving me this gift… From now on, I will work harder in order to not disappoint the expectations of Momonga-sama!”